Our family is always up for a fun staycation. Colorado has no shortage of awesome vacation spots within driving distance, but how do you choose the best one for your family? We checked out Keystone Resort recently, and it definitely going on our Top 5 list. Here's why!
The author received an overnight stay and activities at Keystone Resort to facilitate the writing of this article. All thoughts and opinions expressed are the author's own.
So many housing options to accommodate any size group.
Whether you are bringing just your own family or an entire group of people, there is a place to stay at Keystone Resort. Not only can you avoid the dreaded mountain traffic and ensure a full day on the hill, you can enjoy easy access to everything that Keystone has to offer. We stayed in a three bedroom at the River Run Town Homes, complete with an amazing view and its own garage, a full kitchen, multiple TV's and bathrooms, and sleeping space for lots of guests... and it was still only a short walk to the lifts and the village. Stay right in River Run Village if you want to be even closer to restaurants, activities, and more.
We love being able to head back to our condo during the day to take a break, grab a snack or meal, or drop off our jackets when it's warm on the slopes. It's the only way to go skiing, in my opinion!
PRO TIP: Book at least two nights at Keystone Resort and get free lift tickets for your kids (12 and under)!
No need to leave!
You will find everything you could possibly need at Keystone Resort for your staycation. Forgot soap or a gluten free meal for your kiddo (ask me why those things come to mind!)? Visit the grocery store in River Run Village. Want to celebrate a great day on the slopes? Chose from over 10 restaurants. Need daycare for your littlest mountaineers? Keystone has that, too. Looking for activities that don't involve skis or snowboards? Just step outside your door.
PRO TIP: Use the Keystone Resort app to find details about everything Keystone!
Rent, transport, and store your equipment onsite.
If you have young kids, you know that they are not able to carry their skis, boots, and snowboards around themselves. If you have older kids, you know that they are not able to carry their equipment without a serious amount of complaining. Heck, it's not my favorite thing to do myself. Keystone has free wagons to help you transport your equipment (and your kids!), a ski check to keep your skis safe during the day and even overnight, and rental equipment right onsite to make it super easy to stay and play. Easy is my favorite kind of staycation!
PRO TIP: Have your rental equipment delivered right to your hotel room or condo!
The gondola.
Quite possibly my favorite thing about Keystone is the fact that non skiers can take the gondola up to the top of the mountain.... and back down. I don't always ski, but I do always like to take a few trips up to the top to grab some pics of my family and that GORGEOUS view. The Summit House restaurant and a fun (and free!) fort sit at the top of the mountain as well, so it's the perfect activity for your younger kids who are either not skiing or are done on the slopes for the day. Bonus: The ride is always quiet and SO PRETTY!
There is so much to do at Keystone Resort in the winter!
You will never be bored at Keystone Resort because Keystone is a full-on mountain playground. Chock full of opportunities for adventure, everyone in your family will find something that they love to do. You'll have to go back again and again to try everything!
Snow Forts
Take the gondola up Dercum Mountain to the World’s LARGEST (and free!) mountaintop snow fort, a fun way to enjoy Keystone's beautiful mountain while taking a break from the slopes. The nearby Summit House offers breakfast, lunch and snacks and hot chocolate to round out your adventure.
Plus, check out Keystone's newest Snow Fort by the Mountain House base area -- the perfect place for kids to play while their parents enjoy après at the Last Lift Bar.
Adventure Point Mountaintop Snow Tubing
A multi-lane hill, a convenient lift to get you back to the top, and unlimited giggles, screams, and smiles await you at the Adventure Point Mountaintop Snow Tubing... a definite must do for adventurers of all ages.
Ice Skating and Playground at Dercum Square
Tucked away in the heart of River Run Village, Dercum Square offers ice skating, a playground, snacks and drinks, and a cozy fire for lowkey family fun.
Lakeside Village
The main attraction at Lakeside Village is a massive, 5 acre frozen lake full of opportunities to enjoy some Ice Skating, Hockey, and Curling and grabbing a bite to eat or sipping on a fun drink. Your little adventurers will love the skating trainers and pull sleds, too. Whether you're in the mood to chill, or jump right in to the winter activities, there's something for everyone here.
Stables Sleigh Rides
By far my absolute favorite winter activity at Keystone Resort, the Stables Sleigh Ride Dinner is an unforgettable and delicious experience for your entire family! Magical does not even begin to describe our experience as we dashed through the snow under the stars on a horse-drawn sleigh through the beautiful Soda Creek Valley. Our wrangler shared stories of the Valley's earliest settlers while we looked for constellations in the clear sky above us, warmed by not only the blankets they provided but the feeling of traveling back in time. When we thought it couldn't get any better, we arrived at the charming original Keystone homestead and were greeted by a hearty meal fit for only the finest cowboys and girls.
The meal. Ohhhhhh, the meal.
The food blew us away. We were given the choice of several entrees, and my salmon was literally one of the best meals that I have ever eaten. The staff thoroughly accommodated my daughter's Celiac food restrictions, and offered amazing alternatives to the standard dishes, right down to the fluffy biscuits and cobbler for dessert. To say that we were impressed would be a severe understatement.
I'm not going to lie, the Stables Sleigh Ride Dinner is one of the pricier activities at Keystone.
Was it worth it? 100%, EVERY PENNY. I loved every single second of the adventure and can't wait to go back.
Not up for a full dinner? Choose the scenic sleigh ride and you'll be treated to hot cider at the homestead.
PRO TIP: Bundle up! The Valley is a bit chillier than you think it will be. Definitely wear the heavier coat, hat, gloves, and snowpants!
Mountains of fun await you at Keystone Resort. With so many choices -- where to stay, what to do, and where to eat -- you will surely find a new favorite place to staycation in Colorado.
